Theater Review: 'A Christmas Carol The Musical' at Black Rock Theater

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Black Rock Theater, formerly Broadway Method Academy, is presenting a memorable production of “A Christmas Carol The Musical.” The theater provides “professional level training and performance opportunities for artists of all backgrounds.”

This version of Charles Dickens’ classic story includes music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens that enhance the book by Mike Ockrent and Ahrens. The musical was performed at the Theater at Madison Square Garden every December from 1994 through 2003.

The musical is beautifully directed at Black Rock Theater in Fairfield by Brenna Donahue and Connor Deane, painting captivating stage pictures throughout.

The production stars Martin Gianni in the role of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. The actor’s powerful deep voice makes his performance even better. Gianni is a “proud BRT parent” who returns to this stage after playing Captain Von Trapp in this season’s “The Sound of Music.” He is the Executive Director of the Red Bull Theatre.

Jacob Marley, who makes his entrance through a fireplace, is played by Kevin D. O’Neil. The ghost of Scrooge’s late partner has a musical number “Link by Link” with other ghosts that is both effective and scary. Scrooge’s “Yesterday, Tomorrow and Today” features a pretty angel choir.

Carly Mofenson sings beautifully as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Taye Martin is a strong Ghost of Christmas Present in his Black Rock debut. Emmanuella Dorcely effectively portrays the “Blind Old Hag” and many others.

Patrick Blanner, a New York City-based actor, plays a youngish and earnest Mr. Cratchit in his Black Rock debut, with Marcela Perkins as a cute Tiny Tim. At the matinee that I attended, Choreographer Elissa DeMaria covered the roles of Mrs. Fezziwig and Mrs. Cratchit and did well with both roles.

Kari Ergmann is lovely as Scrooge’s former fiancee Emily and Kevin DiCarlo, a recent graduate of Long Island University, plays Mr. Fezziwig and others. Skylar Giblin plays Fred Anderson and Michelle Martini is Sally. Connor Barnes makes his Black Rock debut as Mr. Smythe and others. Dance captain Allison Sheski is in the adult featured ensemble, as is New York City- based actor Elena Karnezis.

The scenic design of London in Victorian England by Ryan M. Howell encompasses both sides of the stage area. One end serves as Scrooge’s home and the other is where the Cratchit family lives. The open area in between becomes the Fezziwig’s Christmas Ball and other scenes from Scrooge’s past, present and future.

The lighting design by Blake Kile is excellent throughout all of the scenes. Be forewarned that Strobe lights are carefully used at a few points, but the rest is accomplished by using various standard lights. I was impressed with the way the lighting perfectly accompanied the scenes. Sound design by Bobbi Rene Fullerton includes some ambient noises to help set the scene. I found the level of the musical tracks to slightly overwhelm the voices at times, making it impossible to understand the lyrics.

There are a host of period costumes designed by Natalie Biebel that are lush and colorful, working perfectly with the fine wig design by Kaitie Adams and Bobbie Zlotnik. Props of the period were designed by Lisa Kuchta.

Music direction by Jill Brunelle is evident in the inspired choral singing by the company members and the soloists. Choreography by DeMaria is very impressive and well-executed by the dancers.

Performances are presented without intermission and run about 90 minutes. Patrons are encouraged to remain in their seats because there are “actors everywhere.” There were no open seats at the matinee that I attended. Santa was available in the small lobby after the show. Remaining performances are today at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. (almost sold out.) Tickets at blackrocktheater.org

Next year will bring “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” running Feb. 17-25 onstage at the Westport Country Playhouse. The annual Gala Fundraiser is scheduled for the opening night performance. The 2024 season will continue with “Rent,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Carrie,” and the return of “A Christmas Carol,” all to be presented in the black box theater at Black Rock Theater in Fairfield.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.